SS Maori, wreck - Cape Town & Western Cape

Diving the Predator Tank at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town is exactly what it sounds like: a chance to get up close with some serious fish without the fuss of an ocean dive. We’re talking ragged-tooth sharks, big ones, circling with a quiet menace that’s genuinely thrilling. You’ll also spot yellowtail, grouper, and a few mullet, often with a curious eye on you. It’s an interesting dive, certainly not for those seeking natural reef, but brilliant for anyone wanting guaranteed shark encounters in calm, controlled conditions. What makes this dive special? The sheer proximity to these sharks. You’re eye-level with their rows of teeth, close enough to see the texture of their skin. We love how one of the groupers and a particular mullet always seem to be hanging around, checking out the divers. Our favourite tip for this site: go slow. Don’t rush the circuit. Take your time to really observe the sharks’ movements, their subtle shifts in direction. It’s a good 40-minute experience, usually around 26m visibility, and maxes out at 5m deep. It’s perfect for newer divers, or anyone who just wants a reliable, adrenaline-lite shark fix.

Location: Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -34.030700, 18.308100
Type: wreck

Marine Protected Area: Duikerklip Provincial Nature Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Cape Town & Western Cape

The warmest water temperatures in Cape Town & Western Cape occur in January, averaging 18.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 18.9°C (air: 20.8°C)
February: 18.9°C (air: 20.7°C)
March: 18.9°C (air: 19.5°C)
April: 18.9°C (air: 17.3°C)
May: 18.9°C (air: 15.8°C)
June: 18.9°C (air: 15.0°C)
July: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
August: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
September: 18.9°C (air: 13.9°C)
October: 18.9°C (air: 16.5°C)
November: 18.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
December: 18.9°C (air: 19.3°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to SS Maori, wreck

Alpha Dive Centre - ["PADI","NAUI"]
Alpha Dive Centre - Strand
Bellville Underwater Club - ["CMAS","IANTD"]
Best Kiteboarding Africa
Blue Flash
Cape Town Dive Centre - PADI

Marine Life in Cape Town & Western Cape

Home to 271 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 45 sharks & rays, 28 whales & dolphins, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 4 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) - Reef Fish
African Weakfish (Atractoscion aequidens) - Reef Fish
California Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) - Reef Fish
Elf (Pomatomus saltatrix) - Reef Fish
Rig (Galeorhinus galeus) - Sharks & Rays
Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) - Reef Fish
Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) - Reef Fish
Jac (Helicolenus dactylopterus) - Reef Fish
Salema (Sarpa salpa) - Reef Fish
Angel (Brama brama) - Reef Fish
Ribbonfish (Lepidopus caudatus) - Reef Fish
Cosmopolitan Spurdog (Squalus megalops) - Sharks & Rays
Shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) - Sharks & Rays
pearl-side (Maurolicus muelleri) - Reef Fish
Gaper (Champsodon capensis) - Reef Fish
Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) - Sharks & Rays
Bronze whaler (Carcharhinus brachyurus) - Sharks & Rays
Common brittlestar (Ophiothrix fragilis)

Recommended Packing List for SS Maori, wreck

Based on average water temperature of 18.9°C.

Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories